#SproutChat Recap: How to Analyze, Interpret & Present Data From Social Media

As marketers we have access to a plethora of data. The landscape of tools that offer in-depth reporting is robust and the complimentary metrics that come directly from each social network are informative. This week at #SproutChat, we discussed which analytics are worth paying attention to and what to do with your social media data
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Prioritize Your Time

The first step in analyzing your data is prioritizing your time by understanding which metrics are worth looking at. Make sure you determine your objectives and figure out what type of data will help you reach your goals-then dive into the numbers. Depending on your goals, you won’t need to dissect every single measurement available, so be sure to highlight the key 3-5 that will prove to senior management that you’re reaching your goals. If you’re unable to objectively measure what you need set benchmarks to track progress.

A1. My personal opinion is you have to trend graph your time on site and new vs returning from social more than anything #sproutchat

Correlate Metrics With Achieved Goals

Frequently and consistently monitor metrics in comparison to your goals. Pay attention to alternate factors lending to success and pivot and adjust if necessary. Don’t be afraid to tap colleagues for additional measurements in order to paint a more holistic picture of your social data,. Take credit for the results from your efforts and collaborate to work towards 10x-ing those achievements.

Use Tools to Scale Your Efforts

Don’t go at it alone! Use social media reporting tools to easily collect and organize metrics. A software is worth the invest, as it will be able to find data much quicker than you or your team can. A software or tool may also help you figure out which metrics to watch in the first place. When your whole team has access to social data, it streamlines progress and allows all of you to achieve more.

Present Your Data in a Way That Your Boss or Client Will Understand

Create an easily interpretable format and visualization of your data so that all stakeholders involved can quickly see the progress or opportunities for improvement. Feel free to get creative and distill the insight into its simplest format.

Join our #SproutChat Facebook community where we post the weekly topic and discussion questions. See you at the next chat on Wednesday, August 3 at 2 p.m. CDT.

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Published on July 29, 2016

Sarah Nagel: Sarah Nagel is the Senior Manager, Brand Advocacy & Community at Sprout Social. She heads community building initiatives as well as Sprout’s advocacy program, Sprout All Stars. Sarah is a champion for empowering passionate and enthusiastic customers and believes in the huge impact an engaged community can have on an organization’s bottom line. Outside of work, she loves taking on home renovation projects, spending time with her husband and two rescue dogs and making the best guacamole you’ve ever had.

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